Synthetic sweetener in cake linked to Punjab girl’s death, confirms official

On March 24, a tragic incident occurred when a girl’s family became ill after consuming a chocolate cake ordered online from a bakery in Patiala for her birthday. The cake was found to contain a high amount of saccharine, a sweet-tasting synthetic compound, during testing.

While small quantities of saccharine are permissible in food and beverages, excessive levels can lead to a rapid increase in blood glucose levels. District Health Officer Dr. Vijay Jindal informed NDTV about the situation and stated that action will be taken against the bakery, including the possibility of imposing a fine.

Furthermore, a First Information Report (FIR) has been filed against the bakery’s owner. An alarming video circulating on social media showed the girl, Manvi, joyfully participating in her birthday celebration by cutting the cake alongside her family merely hours before her death.

Shortly after consuming the cake, the entire family fell ill, including her younger sister. The family described symptoms such as vomiting, dryness in the mouth, and feeling parched.

When Manvi lost consciousness, she was rushed to a hospital, where she was provided with oxygen before tragically passing away. The family alleged that the chocolate cake, obtained from ‘Cake Kanha’, contained poisonous substances.

This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of food contamination and the dire need for strict enforcement of food safety standards to prevent such tragedies.